Bullet train project achieves major breakthrough with completion of 4.88-km tunnel

Speaking to mediapersons, Vaishnaw said, “Work on the Bullet train project is progressing well. This breakthrough is a huge milestone. The Bullet train will provide one of the most comfortable rides, with trains running every 30 minutes initially and every 10 minutes during peak hours.”

India’s first high-speed rail corridor stretching 508 km connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad is being executed by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), backed by Japanese technology.

The corridor will feature 12 stations and operate Shinkansen E5 series trains capable of a top speed of 320 kmph, cutting travel time between the two cities from about seven hours to just over two hours. The 12 stations: Mumbai (BKC), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati. Four stations are in Maharashtra, eight in Gujarat, with the corridor also passing through Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

“Once completed, passengers will be able to board the train in Mumbai and reach Ahmedabad in just two hours. The project has been designed to be efficient, accessible and beneficial for the middle-class,” Vaishnaw said.

With the 4.88-km-long tunnel complete, Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are being shipped and assembled for the remaining 16 km of the underground stretch.

Progress elsewhere includes foundation work for seven mountain tunnels in Palghar district and superstructure work at all stations in Gujarat. Of the total alignment, 321 km of viaduct and 398 km of earthwork have been completed, along with 17 river bridges, 99 steel bridges, and more than four lakh noise barriers installed along 206 km of tracks.

Installation of over 2,000 overhead equipment masts for power supply is ongoing along 48 km of the main viaduct.

As of mid-2025, over Rs 78,839 crore has already been spent. The project’s original deadline was August 2022, but it has been repeatedly pushed due to land acquisition hurdles and complex tendering. The Gujarat section is slated for completion by December 2027, with progressive openings expected, and full commercial operations targeted for 2028.

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